Eco-power as an aspirational Canadian identity

A former student of Canadian history George Grant has written a very interesting review of a new book by Byron Williston called Ecological Nation: Toward Peace, Order and Good Government. The subtitle of that book echoes the constitutional purpose of Canada, often quoted in contrast to the United States’ life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The reviewer, Bruce K. Ward, contrasts Williston’s book against Grant’s classic Lament for a Nation and looks at both of these work in the context of the current resurgence of Canadian nationalism (the kind directed against US hegemony). It’s worth a read especially because he fairly treats Williston ideas that Canada could become a superpower if only we focused on ecological leadership instead of our current Petro-state aspirations. And he alos takes Williston to task on his conclusion that we aren’t actually going to get there without some form of eco-elitism based on a polished moral order amongst those who govern our country. Order,…